Peter's Flight Log

The training area around Cessnock Airport is conveniently encased by mountains to the east and south, and a large lake towards the south-east. In addition to these boundaries being easily recognised by student pilots, there are also a lot of landmarks that we can use for navigation.

Another important advantage of this location is that the training area is so close to the aerodrome. I can reach the training area as a soon as I clear the crosswind leg of the circuit.

Back in flight 39, I flew around in the Camden training are, and it did take me a little longer to get there.

At the end of this flight, I also conducted three circuits as I continue my effort to improve the quality of my landings.

In this log, I also trial CloudAhoy, a web application that can analyse flights and help teaching and learning. I have converted my CloudAhoy flight analysis into a video, but you can also checkout the original.

Borders

The Cessnock flight training area is delineated by several prominent geographical and man-made boundaries, providing a well-defined region for student pilots to practice their maneuvers and navigation skills.

Northern Boundary

To the north, the training area's boundary is marked by the town of Maitland and the Hunter River. The town's historic buildings and the nearby Maitland Gaol serve as clear reference points for pilots. The Hunter River's winding path creates a natural northern limit, beyond which pilots transition to different airspace sectors.

Eastern Boundary

The eastern boundary extends towards Lake Macquarie. The expansive surface of this coastal saltwater lake and its irregular shoreline form a distinct eastern limit. The lake is a significant visual landmark, ensuring that pilots stay within the designated airspace while practicing over land. We typically don't fly as far as Lake Macquarie, at least at the early stages of training.

Southern Boundary

The southern edge of the training area is defined by the Cessnock Correctional Centre and extends further south to encompass the Watagan Mountains. The alignment of the correctional centre with runway 35 provides a clear southern marker. Additionally, the rugged terrain and lush rainforests of the Watagan Mountains offer a natural boundary, beyond which the landscape changes markedly.

Western Boundary

To the west, the Brokenback Range forms a prominent natural barrier. The range runs in a north-south direction, providing a clear western limit for the training area. The peaks and dense eucalyptus forests of the Brokenback Range are easily identifiable from the air, helping pilots maintain their position within the training zone.

These borders ensure that the Cessnock flight training area is well-contained and provides a diverse mix of landmarks, both natural and man-made, aiding in the comprehensive training of pilots.

Cessnock flight training area landmarks

Now, let's look at some of the most important landmarks in this training area.

Mountains and Mountain Peaks

The Cessnock aerodrome training area is characterized by its stunning mountainous terrain. The Brokenback Range dominates the western skyline, providing a dramatic backdrop with its rugged peaks and dense eucalyptus forests. One of the prominent peaks in this range is Mount View, offering a clear landmark that is easy to identify from the air. The range itself is an excellent reference point for navigation, as it runs in a north-south direction and helps pilots orient themselves during training flights.

Lakes and Rivers

Water bodies in the training area include Lake Macquarie to the southeast, one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in Australia. Its expansive surface and irregular shoreline make it a significant landmark visible from a considerable distance. Closer to Cessnock, the Hunter River winds its way through the landscape, with its serpentine course cutting through the valley. The river's presence is essential for navigation, providing a natural corridor that pilots can follow to various towns and settlements.

Towns and Urban Structures

The town of Cessnock itself is a central landmark, with its distinct grid pattern of streets and notable structures like the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and local vineyards, reflecting the area's rich winemaking heritage. To the north, the town of Maitland offers another urban reference point, identifiable by its historic buildings and the nearby Maitland Gaol. These towns are interspersed with smaller settlements and farmlands, creating a patchwork of urban and rural scenery that is easy to distinguish from the air.

Key Structures and Formations

South of the aerodrome, the Cessnock Correctional Centre is a significant landmark, aligning well with runway 35. This facility's extensive grounds and distinctive layout make it easily recognizable from the air, serving as a useful reference point for pilots during approaches and departures. Additionally, the horseracing oval, visible from a distance, stands out due to its unique shape and the open space surrounding it. These ground structures provide vital orientation aids for pilots training in the area.

Natural Formations

Natural formations such as the Watagan Mountains to the southeast offer another layer of complexity to the terrain. These mountains, with their lush rainforests and steep escarpments, provide both a scenic view and a challenging element for flight training. The formations of sandstone cliffs and deep gullies add to the diverse landscape that pilots must navigate, enhancing their skills in handling the aircraft in various conditions and terrains.

Overall, the Cessnock aerodrome training area provides a rich and varied environment for flight training, with its combination of natural beauty and practical landmarks aiding in the development of essential navigational skills.